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Klipsch image S3

Klipsch Image S3 Review

Klipsch image S3
Added Sep 2012

Details: Younger, less elegant sibling of the popular Image S4
MSRP: $49.99 (manufacturer’s page)
Current Price: $34 from amazon.com
Specs: Driver: Dynamic | Imp: 18Ω | Sens: 106 dB | Freq: 12-18k Hz | Cable: 4.2′ I-plug
Nozzle Size: 4.5mm | Preferred tips: Klipsch gels

Wear Style: Straight down or over-the-ear

Accessories (3.5/5) – Single-flange (2 sizes) and bi-flange silicone tips; compact zippered carrying case
Build Quality (3.5/5) – Housings are plastic but sturdy and well-relieved on cable entry. No nozzle filter is present and the cable is thin and lacks a cinch
Isolation (3/5) – Above average for a dynamic-driver earphone
Microphonics (4/5) – Very low with over-the-ear wear; tolerable otherwise
Comfort (3.5/5) – The angled-nozzle housings are lightweight and unobtrusive, though slightly larger than those of the S4. They also have sharper front edges, which can become uncomfortable for extended wear

Sound (5.9/10) – The Image S3 is reminiscent of the pricier S4 not only cosmetically, but also sonically. Like the design, which is a simplified, cheaper-looking, and less ear-friendly take on the S4, the sound borrows both the positive and not-so-positive traits of the higher-end model.

The S3 is v-shaped in signature, with strong bass and treble. As with the S4, the low end is rarely boomy considering the enhanced bass quantity but lacks some rumble in the sub-bass region. Both the Soundmagic E10 and MEElectronics M9 extend better at the bottom. The cheaper M9 sounds a bit loose next to the S3 but those looking purely for bass ‘slam’ will still be better off with an M9 or Sony XB-series earphone. For quick and punchy bass, the S3 performs rather well.

Bass bleed is minimal but as with the S4 the midrange is somewhat recessed compared to the bass and treble. Clarity is quite above average for the price but note presentation is on the thin side – the Soundmagic E10 sounds significantly fuller and more realistic with its warmer, smoother sound signature. The S3 comes across cold and harsh, in large part due to the peaky treble. As with the S4, the top end can be downright unpleasant at times, with occasional bouts of sibilance and a tendency make drums and snares sound unnecessarily sharp and edgy.

Soundstaging is also average at best – the S3 has a typical in-the-head budget in-ear presentation and lacks depth. The Soundmagic E10 sounds much more spacious and ambient, portraying both width and depth better than the Image S3. Even next to the MEElectronics M9 the S3 sounds a bit compressed and congested, though it is helped along by better resolution and clarity as well as slightly better treble extension.

Value (7/10) – The Klipsch Image S3 boasts good clarity and punchy bass but is let down by the hot treble and mediocre presentation. Like the S4, it is a decent earphone for those looking to stay with a name brand but far from the best-sounding set for the price. In the world outside of retail stores, this “S4 light” has some very stiff competition.

Pros: Good clarity and bass; very low cable noise with cable-up wear; 2-yr warranty
Cons: Treble quality lacking; can be uncomfortable due to sharp housing edges

 

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ABOUT AUTHOR

ljokerl

ljokerl

Living in the fast-paced city of Los Angeles, ljokerl has been using portable audio gear to deal with lengthy commutes for the better part of a decade. He spends much of his time listening to music and occasionally writes portable audio reviews across several enthusiast sites, focusing mostly on in-ear earphones.

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4 Responses

  1. Some (most?) of those will be tough to find. Brainwavz models used to be distributed in India but even if they aren’t anymore I believe the manufacturer (mp4nation.net) offers free worldwide shipping.

  2. Hi Joker,

    Thanks for the prompt reply. All the models you have listed out look interesting and in the lines of what I was looking for. Now the challenge will be availability. Indian headphone market sucks in this regard. Finding most of these from a mainstream (read credible) vendor is a challenge. Even when you find them, the prices are significantly higher than the amazon prices.

  3. There’s a few that come to mind with different degrees of “v-shape”-ness. Arranged approximately in increasing cost the ones that come to mind first are:

    NarMoo S1: https://theheadphonelist.com/headphone_review/narmoo-s1/
    Brainwavz S1: https://theheadphonelist.com/headphone_review/brainwavz-s1/
    Rock Jaw Alfa Genus (silver filters): https://theheadphonelist.com/headphone_review/rock-jaw-alfa-genus/
    JVC HA-FXT90: https://theheadphonelist.com/headphone_review/jvc-ha-fxt90/
    RHA MA750: https://theheadphonelist.com/headphone_review/rha-ma750-ma750i/
    Dunu DN-1000: https://theheadphonelist.com/headphone_review/dunu-dn-1000/

    The NarMoo S1 is probably the warmest (and the least mid-recessed) of the budget ones, and the low price doesn’t hurt. There’s a few areas where it leaves a bit to be desired but for $35-40 it’s really not bad at all.

  4. Hi Joker,

    I’m currently using the S3s and looking for an upgrade. Please suggest a few options where the sound carries a mild v-shape without losing the mids and also is a bit warm.

    Thanks.

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